· LK

Puttalam

Puttalam, North Western, Sri Lanka

Puttalam: Sri Lanka's Gateway to Serenity and Natural Wonders Nestled along Sri Lanka's northwestern coast, Puttalam beckons travelers seeking an authentic escape from the ordinary. More than just a stopover, Puttalam of…

#coastal#fishing#lagoon#cultural#north western

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Puttalam.

Top Hotels in Puttalam

Top Flights to Puttalam

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Puttalam.

Tours

Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary Visit

A bird watcher's paradise with seven interconnected tanks supporting numerous bird species.

Munneswaram Hindu Temple Tour

Visit the ancient Munneswaram Temple, an important Hindu pilgrimage site with stunning architecture.

Puttalam Salt Pans Visit

Discover the traditional salt extraction methods and vast salt fields in Puttalam.

Shopping

Shopping at Puttalam Town Market

A vibrant local market offering a variety of goods, from fresh produce to artisanal crafts.

Outdoor

Wilpattu National Park Safari

Explore the largest national park in Sri Lanka, known for its leopard population, elephants, and diverse wildlife.

Kalpitiya Beach Excursion

Experience the beautiful beaches of Kalpitiya, ideal for sunbathing and water sports.

Bar Reef Snorkeling Adventure

Explore the vibrant marine life at Bar Reef, one of Sri Lanka's largest coral reefs.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Puttalam.

Currency

Rs | LKR | Sri Lankan Rupee

Population

45661.0

Languages

Sinhala, Tamil, English

Average weather

Puttalam

Jan

30°23°

Feb

31°23°

Mar

32°24°

Apr

32°25°

May

31°25°

Jun

30°25°

Jul

30°25°

Aug

30°25°

Sep

30°24°

Oct

30°24°

Nov

30°24°

Dec

30°23°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Puttalam.

What people love

Puttalam, located in the North Western province of Sri Lanka, offers several pros for travelers:

Natural beauty: Puttalam is known for its scenic landscapes, including beautiful beaches, lagoons, and wetlands. The area is also home to several wildlife reserves and bird sanctuaries, making it a great destination for nature lovers.
Cultural attractions: Puttalam has a rich cultural heritage, with historical sites and traditional villages that offer insights into Sri Lankan life and traditions. Visitors can explore ancient temples, mosques, and churches, as well as participate in local festivals and events.
Water sports: With its coastal location, Puttalam is a great destination for water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities such as kite surfing, windsurfing, and snorkeling in the clear waters of the Indian Ocean.
Culinary delights: Puttalam is known for its fresh seafood and traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. Visitors can sample a variety of local dishes, including fresh crab curry, spicy prawn dishes, and traditional rice and curry meals.
Hospitality: The people of Puttalam are known for their warm hospitality and friendly demeanor, making visitors feel welcome and at home during their stay.

Overall, traveling to Puttalam offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and recreational activities that can appeal to a wide range of travelers.

What to know

Puttalam, located in the North Western province of Sri Lanka, is a beautiful destination with much to offer visitors. However, there are a few potential cons to traveling to Puttalam that you may want to consider:

Limited tourist infrastructure: Puttalam is not as developed for tourism as some other popular destinations in Sri Lanka. This means that you may find fewer accommodation options, restaurants, and tourist services compared to more established tourist spots.
Language barrier: English may not be as widely spoken in Puttalam as in other tourist areas, so communication could be a bit challenging if you don't speak Sinhala or Tamil.
Lack of major attractions: While Puttalam has its own charm and natural beauty, it may not have as many well-known tourist attractions or historical sites as other parts of Sri Lanka. Visitors looking for a wide range of sightseeing opportunities may find Puttalam somewhat lacking in this regard.
Remote location: Puttalam is located in the northwestern part of Sri Lanka, which may make it less convenient to reach compared to destinations closer to major transportation hubs like Colombo. Traveling to and from Puttalam may require longer travel times and multiple modes of transportation.
Weather conditions: Puttalam, like many other parts of Sri Lanka, can experience heavy rainfall during the monsoon seasons, which may affect travel plans and outdoor activities.

Overall, while Puttalam offers a unique and authentic experience for travelers looking to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations in Sri Lanka, it may not be the ideal choice for those seeking a more developed tourist infrastructure or a wide range of attractions.

Puttalam is a town located in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka. It has a rich history that dates back to ancient times and has been influenced by various cultures and rulers throughout the centuries.

Historical Overview:

Ancient Period:
- Puttalam is believed to be one of the early settlements in Sri Lanka. The region has been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence suggesting links to early Sinhalese kingdoms.
Medieval Period:
- During the medieval period, Puttalam was part of the Kingdom of Rajarata, which was a significant Sinhalese kingdom. The town's strategic location made it a notable point for trade and agriculture.
Colonial Era:
- The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in the early 16th century, followed by the Dutch and then the British. Puttalam, like many coastal towns, came under the influence of these colonial powers.
- The Dutch Fort in Kalpitiya, close to Puttalam, is a reminder of the Dutch presence in the area.
Modern History:
- During the 20th century, Puttalam became known for its salt production, fishing, and agriculture. It has also been a site for various socio-political movements and changes in Sri Lanka's modern history.

Significant Events:

Ethnic Conflicts: Puttalam has been affected by the ethnic tensions in Sri Lanka, particularly during the civil conflict between the government and the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam). It served as a refuge for many displaced during the war.
Development Projects: In recent years, Puttalam has seen infrastructure development, including roads and renewable energy projects like wind farms, which have contributed to its economic growth.

Historical Figures:

Local Leaders: Various local leaders and chieftains have played roles in Puttalam's history, particularly during times of colonial resistance and local governance, although specific historical figures are not widely documented.

Important Landmarks:

Kalpitiya Dutch Fort: Built by the Dutch in the 17th century, this fort is a significant historical structure that reflects the colonial past of the region.
Salt Pans: Puttalam is famous for its salt production, and the salt pans are a significant part of the local economy and a landmark in the area.
St. Anne's Church, Thalawila: A popular Catholic pilgrimage site located near Puttalam, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Munneswaram Temple: Although located slightly outside Puttalam, this Hindu temple is one of the oldest and most revered in Sri Lanka, attracting devotees from across the country.

Puttalam continues to be an important town in Sri Lanka, reflecting a mix of historical influences and modern development. However, the detailed documentation on specific historical figures from Puttalam is limited. If further specific historical details are required, additional local historical texts or archives would need to be consulted.